Indiana health officials report third West Nile death

October 12, 2006

INDIANAPOLIS Â? State health officials today reported a third death from West Nile virus for 2006, which was in LaPorte County.

Health officials also announced 14 new human cases of West Nile virus in Indiana, with six in Allen County; two each in LaPorte, Porter, and St. Joseph counties; and one each in Elkhart and Whitley counties.

West Nile virus has been identified in 74 counties in Indiana so far in 2006, with a total of 53 human cases in 15 counties.

Â?It is important for Hoosiers to know that we still have infected mosquitoes flying around, as the recent frost was not sufficient to get rid of them,Â? said James Howell, veterinary epidemiologist, Indiana State Department of Health. Â?We continue to urge people to take precautions against mosquitoes when they are outdoors.Â?

Â?Avoid being outside from dusk to dawn, which is prime mosquito biting time. But if you have to go outdoors, you should wear pants and a long-sleeved shirt and apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to your clothes,Â? Howell said. Â?Mosquitoes can bite through clothing, so the insect repellent is important.Â?

Health officials report that although individuals older than 50 are at greatest risk for serious illness and even death from West Nile virus, people of all ages are susceptible to the virus.

For more information, visit the ISDH Web site at www.in.gov/isdh/healthinfo/westnile/index.htm.